Ferrari at Goodwood FoS 2012

Just like Bentley, Ferrari too is breaking out the big guns for this year’s festival of speed at Goodwood.

Last year the 458 stole the show, this year it’s the turn of the Spider version. This time Ferrari will present the 458 Spider at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside the lighter and more powerful Ferrari California 30, in addition to the flagship V12 four-seater Ferrari FF. The mid-rear-engined two-seater 458 Spider, making its official UK debut at this year’s Festival, features a fully retractable aluminium hard-top roof. It is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised.

You probably know about the FF, but the new California is worth a look at. It’s called the California 30, because it’s 30 horsepower more powerful and also 30 kg lighter than before, and therefore 30 percent better overall!

Ferrari press release:

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499cc V8, which has just been nominated Best Performance Engine for the second year running in the prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards. This is coupled to Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission which delivers 0-62mph acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 199mph.

Also making its official UK debut at the Festival of Speed is the lighter and more powerful Ferrari California 30. The front-mid mounted V8 benefits from a power increase of 30hp to deliver a maximum of 490hp, combined with a reduction in weight of 30kg, which has been achieved through cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies.

An optional Handling Speciale package has also been developed for the Ferrari California which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

Also taking part in the Supercar Run is the FF, Ferrari’s flagship V12 four-seater. The FF ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept and represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution with the Prancing Horse’s first ever four-wheel drive system. The innovative 4RM system weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system and ensures perfect weight distribution (47:53) for the optimum driving performance that clients expect from a Ferrari, even for a Grand Tourer with four seats.

Exceptional performance comes courtesy of the new 6,262cc direct injection V12 engine which develops 660hp at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration (0-62mph in 3.7sec) is guaranteed. The FF combines an unprecedented level of extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.